US Bridges

I-26 over Beards Creek

Fair

Laurens County, South Carolina · 8.3 MI NE of Laurens · Structure no. 000000000003005

Built
1959
66 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
38 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
25,500
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-26 over Beards Creek is a concrete culvert carrying I-26 over Beards Creek in Laurens County, South Carolina. It was built in 1959, so it is 66 years old, older than the South Carolina average of 48 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in fair condition with a lowest component rating of 5 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

It carries about 25,500 vehicles a day, roughly 18% of them trucks, projected to reach 40,800 by 2043. The structure is 38 ft (11.6 m) long and 226 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

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CarriesI-26
CrossesBeards Creek
Location8.3 MI NE of Laurens
RouteInterstate 26
CountyLaurens County
StateSouth Carolina
Coordinates34.51643, -81.87236
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Interstate

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating107.1 US tons
Inventory rating107.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length38 ft (11.6 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.7 m)
Deck width226 ft (68.8 m)
Roadway width74 ft (22.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic25,500 (2023)
Projected traffic40,800 by 2043
Trucks18%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I-26 over Beards Creek built?

It was built in 1959, making it 66 years old in 2025.

What condition is I-26 over Beards Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in fair condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. The last reported inspection was in August 2024.

How much traffic does I-26 over Beards Creek carry?

About 25,500 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 18% are trucks.

How long is I-26 over Beards Creek?

The structure is 38 ft (11.6 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m) and a deck 226 ft wide.

Who owns I-26 over Beards Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.